Storage Ideas for Maximizing Space in Your One Car Metal Garage

“Single car garages are capable of storing one car only”. If you also think the same, you need to rethink. The structure can even store many items, tools, and small vehicles like bikes, cycles, etc. But for this, you need to customize the structure and organize every item strategically.

How to do it?

First, buy a garage that can be tailored easily. You can buy one car steel garage because it comes with great flexibility and durability. It helps to maximize space in your one-car metal garage as you can easily shape the structure, include shelves and racks, and do much more.

Have a look at clever storage ideas to help you turn your one-car garage into a multitasking space.

What Is a One-car Garage Typically Capable of?

As the name implies, a one car garage is typically capable of storing one car or one vehicle at a time. It is designed with one car size in mind to fit the space effortlessly. It is generally smaller than two car garage and three car garage. The structure prevents your car from coming in contact with rain, which can lead to moisture build-up and cause rust. You can also protect your car from heavy snow and wind by parking it in a steel garage.

But the structure has much more to offer than just parking a car. That's why millions of people use it in various ways, especially for storage. You must have seen bikes parked in a corner, gardening tools hanging on the wall, and old boxes stacked up. Some turn it into a mini workshop with a workbench and tool cabinets. So, a small single car garage can wear many hats apart from just being a space to park a car.

10 Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Single-Car Garage

You know a one car prefab garage doesn't offer much space, but whatever it offers can be utilized effectively by following the proper methods. Here they are.

1. Wall-Mounted Shelves:

"Keeps items off the floor and uses vertical space smartly."

Wall-mounted shelves are installed on the garage wall to save floor space. So, if you are short on floor space and need to store something in the metal garage structure itself, storing things on mounted shelves can help. You will not have to place boxes on the floor, which can hinder other heavy items and interrupt the clear path. Stack the small items neatly on shelves attached to the wall. It will not only clear the space but also make it easy to find items.

Why it helps:

Generally, vertical spaces on walls stay empty. People store everything on the floor and say they don’t have enough space in the garage. Next time, try this technique to create more space in your one car steel garage.

Example:

Hang 2–3 shelves on one side wall. Now, assemble the items that can fit on these shelves. You can organize all your car cleaning products, paint cans, and gardening tools here.

Tip: Use lightweight items to store on the walls. Install shelves using heavy-duty wall anchors so they stay strong and don't fall when you add more weight.

2. Pegboard Tool Hangers:

"Organizes tools neatly on the wall to avoid drawer clutter".

You can store hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers on pegboards. They attach to the board and allow hanging items on it. They have hooks, which makes hanging items easy. They are designed to maximize storage space. You can use them in single car garages to free up more space and make it a beautiful, well-organized space.

Why it helps:

You can store each tool in its space and would not need to shuffle through drawers. It makes things accessible quickly as everything is in an open place, neatly hanging on the wall.

Example:

What is the best place to install a pegboard? You should mount it near your workbench and hang all your frequently used tools here. This way, you will not have to stand up often and look for the right tool in drawers.

Tip: Organize tools effectively by outlining each tool's shape on the board so you know where it fits the best.

3. Overhead Ceiling Storage:

"Uses the empty ceiling area to store seasonal or rarely used items."

This storage system is installed on the ceiling of your one car garage. It's like adding a shelf, but up high, above your walking space. Add racks and hanging bins in the ceiling to store items. Store only those items you don’t use daily; they are rarely needed. These items can be holiday decorations or camping gear you need only once or twice a year.

Why it helps:

It leaves more space on the ground where you can store a bicycle or other items that can't be stored in overhead ceiling storage. This small step will help you keep the garage organized and ready to accommodate more stuff.

Example: You can use overhead racks to store plastic bins full of winter clothes, sports gear, or old files.

Tip: But, before hanging any item, ensure the ceiling racks are properly installed and don't overload them.

4. Foldable Workbench:

"Gives you a workspace when needed, then folds away to save room."

It is a space-saving bench that you can easily fold up when you aren't using it. Generally, this type of bench is attached to the wall so that when it is folded, it leaves more space. Whenever you want to work, just pull down the bench; no more dragging the heavy table, which covers more space. And, when you are done working, there is no need to lift or drag the bench; fold it back up flat against the wall. It's perfect for a one-car garage with limited floor space, but you still need a work area.

Why it helps:

You get a full-sized workspace to focus on work. It doesn't take up much space and organizes items in the garage effectively.

Example: You can attach the workbench on your own, as it doesn’t require much time. Or contact an expert who can do it for you.

Tip: Use strong hinges and brackets to install a wall-mounted workbench; otherwise, your laptop can fall along with the bench.

5. Stackable Storage Bins:

"Makes use of height by stacking bins instead of spreading them."

They are containers designed to be placed on top of each other. They are like small boxes that hold items in separate containers. You can store various items vertically instead of spreading them out on the floor. These small containers help you keep small items organized, which could otherwise be difficult to find.

Why it helps:

Since a one car prefab garage is small, keeping tiny items and finding them at the right time can be difficult. Stackable storage saves you from this problem. Likewise, you get a cleaner and more organized space.

Example: Before storing, label each bin by category, like "Gardening Tools," "Car Supplies," "Sports Gear", etc.

Tip: Use clear and transparent bins so you can see what's inside without opening them.

6. Magnetic Tool Strips:

"Holds small metal tools in sight and off counters or shelves.”

They are simple metal stripes that include strong magnets, so things can be hung on them. The strip can hold metal tools like screwdrivers, scissors, and pliers. You will not have to store them in drawers. Just store them in an open space, like a wall, with the help of magnetic tool strips so you can find them quickly and use them whenever needed.

Why it helps:

This type of storage keeps tools visible and easily accessible. It also frees up space on workbenches so you don't feel overwhelmed.

Example: Always install a magnetic strip above your workbench or on a side wall. So the tools don't touch your head and interrupt your movement in the garage.

Tip: Ensure it's strong enough to hold heavier metal tools safely.

The Final Thought

A single car garage may look small and suitable for storing one car. But it can also do big things. You can store many things in this building and maximize the space effectively. From bikes to seasonal decor, there will be space for it all if you use the right ways to store them. Use every inch of the wall and ceiling of the garage wisely. These 6 storage ideas will totally change your perception of one car garage. These ideas will also help you think of more ideas to maximize the space.